Panel labeling machine



ay 3@ 1950 c. H. NEI-:R 2,509,517

PANEL LABELING MACHINE Filed Jan. 13, 1945 l0 Sheets-Sheet l May 30, 195o C. H. NEER 2,509,517

PANEL LABELING MACHINE! Filed Jan. 13, 1945 10 Sheets-Sheet 2 CWM/:fromm M. WEER May 30, 1950 c. H. NEER 2,509,517

PANEL LABELING MACHINE;

Fileduan. 15, 1945 10 sheets-sheet 5 YFUQi 4. H gimme/Mor,

CYL /f-Fo/o H; WEER.

May 30, 1950 c. H. NEER PANEL LABELING MACHINE l0 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Jan. 13, 1945 C11. /FFo/o H. /VEER 32%/ Mfg@ W. Fifrhw May 30, 1950 c. H. NEL-:R

PANEL LABELING MACHINE g ,e d. l O

May 3o, 195o C, H, NBER 2,509,517

PANEL LABELING MACHINE Filed Jan. 13, 1945 10 Sheets-Sheet 6 zjrl I May 30, 1950 c. H. NEL-:R

PANEL LABELING MACHINE 10 Sheets-Sheet Filed Jan. 15, 1945 My@ "QD May 30, 1950 c. H. NEER PANEL LABELING MACHINE Filed Jan. 13, 1945 10 Sheets-Sheet 8 @www s /f 72.66%

C. H. NEER PANEL LABELING MACHINE May 30, 1950 10 Sheets-Sheet 9 Filed Jan. 13, 1945 C//f/Owc//L /Veer M71 ESS May 30, 1950 c. H. NEL-:R 2,509,517

PANEL LABELING MACHINE Filed Jan.' 13, 1945 10 Sheets-Sheet 10 s f/ le 3 Patented May 30, 1950 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE PANEL LABELING MACHINE Clifford H. Neer, Baltimore, Md., assigner to Burt Machine Company, Incorporated 17 Claims.

This invention relates to a labeling machine for cylindrical packages and particularly to a machine in whichthe packages are rolled through the machine with their axes horizontal.

Important features oi .the invention relate to the application of labels which are generally referred to as panel labels Which are essentially shorter than the ulength of the circumference of the package. Such labelsdo not .overlap `at their ends and must, therefore, be attached to .the containers at both leading and trailing ends of the label.

`In the `aflixing of panel labels, as distinguished from the .lap end types of labels, close adhesion to .the package or ,container `oi the opposite leading and trailing ends of the label is of primary importance, the contact of the adhesive with the intermediate portions of the labels being, at least, non-essential.

`In order to provide with certainty for the spotting of the containers in correspondence with the end `areas .of the labels, the vmachine illustrated shows .the adhesive applying pads arranged in pairs so that the edges of the pads .Which uare outeremost in the direction of the circumferential length .of the labels are spaced apart according .to the length of the labels `in the direction stated. While various features of the invention are usable in apparatus in which the portion of the container corresponding to the intermediate portion `of the label Amay also be coated, the arrangement shown is believed to be more economical .of adhesive and to attain a more attractive appearance of the label.

In accordance with the operation of the machine .oi the invention in V.the preferred form, the containers are `thus `spotted with adhesive as to areas, the over all ,dimensions of which, in the direction of the circumference, correspond closely to the length of the labels.

As aforesaid, the packages arerolled through the Amacchine over the .adhesive coating pads, being turned or rotated with substantially precise `uniformity inrelation to their advancement. For this purpose any suitable means as a feed belt and an opposed path may be provided. The path having a frictional tendency to such an extent .as to prevent slippage of the containers on .the path and .the label presenting mechanism being 4spaced rearwardly .oi the spotting station where the adhesive is applied, by a distance equal to or closely corresponding to the circumerence of the packages. In this Way, precise registration of the spotted areas with the labels is obtained.

`In the `form Aci machine shown other features which are helpful in .securing the desired result are included, for example, the labels after being picked up may be lpressed and smocthed down by the operation .of a relatively slow .motion belt which rolls the packages and particularly the applied labels in contact with a pressing pad. In this way or in any suitable manner, the smoothing and laying of the labels is completed and the packages are delivered continuously and to best advantage at a relatively slow speed which prevents bumping and injury to the containers and labels. The terms package and containers are used interchangeably.

The satisfactory application of panel labels in and by the type of machine in which the containers are rolled through the machine in contact with the active agencies is regarded as a new accomplishment which gives an output per machine Which is approximately twice the output of the previous machines for applying panel labels. Machines for this purpose insofar as they have been in use have been mainly of the `type in which the containers are moved through the machine with their axes upright. The previous machines were not only slower in their operation but more expensive and of greater length requiring approximately twice the factory space occupied by the present machine.

The features of the machine are subject to variation and rearrangement and the success of the present machine may not be attributable entirely to any oneof the units or agencies of which it is composed, but the arrangement in connection with other agencies of the adhesive spotting mechanism, whereby the adhesive is applied to the containers 'is accurately "limited as to each container to one or more areas, the dimension of which is equal to the corresponding dimension of the labels and whereby said areas are caused to register with the labels, is of primary' importance.

In the form of adhesive `applying or spotting mechanism shown, there is a plurality of sets of pad units each of which units is presented in turn in the path of `the containers for the application ofthe adhesive -to a corresponding container, the

spotting mechanism being, as already pointed out,`

so controlled that vthe adhesive is applied with substantial accuracy to an area or to spaced areas, the overalldimension `of the coated `area on each container measured in the direction .of the circumference :of the container ybeing limited to the corresponding dimensions of the panel labels to be employed. The phrase overall dimension-.may be defined las meaning the distance between the opposite andmost remote outside edges of Whatever portion .of thesuriace of a container is coated with adhesive, without regard to continuity of coating.

A plurality of these pad units ,is provided which are moved successively into and out of the oontainer path, one unit being located adjacent the paste =not, .as another .unit is presented .in the path of the containers. In the form of ,machine shown, a series of these units is mounted on moving endless supports, and the supports are operated with an intermittent motion bringing each unit successively into container contacting relation with the path of the containers. Such operation may be accomplished by means of a continuous power drive, which includes a clutch element which permits the carriers to stop in a series of positions in each of which the pad unit which is to apply adhesive is in the path of the packages.

In the preferred form of the machine, as shown, the carriers, through their drive, are automatically locked in each adhesive applying position above described, being released after each spotting operation by means of a trigger which is engaged by each container in turn or otherwise timed with the containers whereby after each container is spotted, a newly coated spotting unit is presented in the path of the next container.

In View of the importance of confining tlhe adhesive to a precisely determined area on each package, it is of importance that the adhesive applying roll is controlled hv a suitable mechanisrn whereby the roll is held out of contact with the spotting pads in each position of rest.

It is also noted as contributing to the improved operation attained that the label clips have been rearranged and improved to give precision and certainty in the retention and release of the labels of the short lengths employed in panel labeling and that improved means have been provided for the laying and smoothing the labels on the package. Also the label boX is provided with a continuous feed which is not disturbed by adjustment alongY the machine to meet the requirements of containers of different diameters.

Other important features of the machine will be discussed and those referred to above will be further discussed in connection with the drawings.

In the accompanying drawings, a machine embodying the features of the invention in the preferred form is illustrated.

In the drawings:

Figure l is a fragmentary elevation of the machine looking from the right side of the machine as determined by the operator standing at the infeed end, the central portion of the machine being broken away.

Figure 2 is a corresponding elevation of the `central portion of tlhe machine.

Figure 3 is a corresponding elevation of the delivery end of the machine.

Figure 4 is a fragmentary elevation of the Inachine looking from the left side. opposite to Figure 1.

Figure 5 is a front elevational view partly in section.

Figure 6 is a transverse sectional View on line 6-6 of Figure 2.

Figure '7 is a fragmentary plan View of the infeed end of the machine with some parts broken away.

Figure 8 is a horizontal sectional view substantially on line 8-8 of Figures 1 and 2.

Figure 9 is a fragmentary side elevation of the drive for the spotting mechanism.

Figure 10 is a sectional view thereof on line III-IB of Figure 9.

Figure 11 is a sectional view of the spotting pad units on line II-II of Figure '7.

Figure 12 is a top plan View of the spotting pad mounting.

Figure 13 is a top plan view of the spotting pad guides.

Figure 14 is a top plan view of the label delivery mechanism.

Figure 15 is a longitudinal sectional view on line I 5I5 of Figure 14.

Figure 16 is a vertical sectional view on line I6--I6 of Figures 1 and 2, some parts being omitted.

Figure 17 is a horizontal sectional view on line I'I-II of Figure 16.

In the drawings the numerals refer to the same parts throughout the several views.

Legs or uprights I are held in vertical position by longitudinal tubular bars 2 and transverse tubular bars 3 both held adjustably on the legs I by split T collars 4. Upper transverse channels 5 are on the forward and rear legs I and on the rear legs support longitudinal rails 6. These rails 6 are likewise held at their forward and rear ends by collars I0 on legs I.

The channels 5 also support angles I I. On the left side of the machine these angles support guides I2 and on the right side rails I3. These guides and rails extend beyond the rear legs I and are held up at their rear ends by bracket 'I, bar 8 and bracket 9 screwed to the rear tubular bar 3. Guides I2 and rails I 3 respectively support sections of the bed or path I4 to carry cylindrical packages or containers. The forward bed or path sections are preferably covered with rubber I5 or similar padding over which the packages roll without slipping. To accommodate packages of various lengths guide I6 on the right side of the machine is held by rods I'I in transversely adjustable position by means of wing-nuts Ill and springs I9 carried in supporting tubes 2U. The guide I6 forms with guide I2, a yielding way for the packages.

The packages are rolled along the bed I4 by means of belts ZI engaging them near their ends as shown in Figures 5 and 6. These belts are supported in forward and rear pulleys 22 on shafts 83 and 89, which may each be broken and joined by collars 23, so that on removal of the collars, the belts may be removed, or new ones placed on the pulleys.

Supported by brackets 24 on rails 6 are upper longitudinally extending rails 25 which hold pulley brackets 26 pivoted at one end thereon and carrying at the opposite end the pulleys 21. These pulleys 2l are held yieldingly down against the belts 2l by springs 28 and the pulleys thus hold the belts rmly down against the containers or packages being rolled or propelled thereby. Belt tighteners 2S are held in brackets 30 on rails 25 yieldingly against the top of the belts by springs 3|.

Containers enter the path formed by bed or tracks It in spaced relation, being spaced by a feed wheel 32 and while being spaced by this wheel they roll in chute 33.

Beneath the rails 6 and mounted in brackets supported therefrom are shafts 34 and 35, eX- tending transversely across the machine and having thereon sprockets 36 and 3I keyed to shaft 34, 33 and 39 keyed to shaft 35 and 4B and 4I free to rotate on shaft 34 and 42 and 43 free to rotate on shaft 35. Sprockets 36 and 42 are connected by drive chain 44, sprockets 31 and 43 are connected by driving chain 45, sprocketsr 40 and 38 are connected by driving chain 46, and sprockets @I and 39 are connected by driving chain lll. The keyed sprockets by means of these chains drive the freely rotating sprockets. On

the chute 33 they are met by spacing wheel 32 and spaced by the pockets in the wheel. The wheel is constantly driven but it may be stopped due to the misplacement of a package in one of its pockets.

The impositive drive of wheel 32 mounted on shaft 89 is obtained from the positive drive of shaft and sprocket 94 thereon driving hub 95 by means of integral sprocket |00, mounted to freely rotate on shaft 98 by means of the chain 91. Keyed to this shaft 96 is hub 98 having a spring pressed ball 33 in its face engaging with a socket in the hub 95. Also keyed to the shaft 96 is a sprocket IlI driving chain |02 which in turn drives sprocket |83, driving the spacing wheel 32. Should a package or container be misaligned in the pockets of wheel 32 the ball 99 will be forced from its socket and allow the rest of the machine to proceed while the spacing wheel 32 stops and it will remain stopped until the operator removes the obstruction from its pocket.

As the containers are slid down the chute 33 spaced by the wheel 32 they trip arm I 84 in their path by bearing down on the arm. The arm is pivoted in a bracket |05 on rails 6 and it has an extending arm |08 having a longitudinal slot |01 in the lower end thereof. This slot |'I ts over pin |08 on arm |09 keyed to shaft IIO so that the tripping of the lever |04 rocks the shaft ||0.

Keyed to shaft III) is pawl III, see Fig. 10. Freely mounted on shaft I IIB is finger I I2 which is held up by the spring IIB. Shaft 8| is continuously driven and it rotates continuously collar II4 keyed thereto. Freely mounted on shaft 8| is a hub with an integral plate II thereon and this plate has on its face, pivoted on a bolt, dog IIS having a shoulder IIl engaged by pawl III when arm |89 is in its lowermost position. In this position the arm |84 is not tripped by a package and the plate I I5 is stationary and held so by pawl III and finger |I2. When the pawl I I I is raised by the tripping of arm |04 the lower end I8 of the dog I I6 falls and is drawn inwardly toward shaft 8| by spring ||9 on plate II5 so that the dog engages the notch of collar I I4, and the collar, by rotating, drives the plate I I 5 around counter-clockwise one revolution. In the meantime the package has passed over the arm |04 and allows the pawl III to fall into the path of shoulder Ill of dog IIE. Corning around with some speed causes the dog I I6 to engage the pawl III with such force that the plate II5 would tend to rebound except for the fact that finger ||2 falls into notch |20 out in plate II5.

This one revolution of plate IIS imparts to sprocket I2! also on hub |I5 one revolution and this one revolution in turn imparts one-half a revolution to sprocket 65 fast to shaft 34 and drives the pads forward so that two wet pads are in position for the approaching package to apply glue spots to its surface. By this means the spotting pads are moved forward to move up a fresh set of pads with each tripping of lever |04. Arm |08 may also be tripped by hand, by lever |22. The arm |03 is held back against stop |06' by spring |06", so that the pawl I I I engages dog IIS.

The package now has on it two spots of glue spaced precisely so that with one complete revolution of the package the circumferential center of the two spots of glue will arrive exactly at the center of the label applying station and there the two spots of' glue will pick up the top label I23. The pack of labels |24 is held in vertical guides |25 and |26. The guide |26 has an ad justable plate |27 in its rear held in close position with the stack of labels by a wing screw |28. These guides |25 and |26 are suspended from transverse angles |29 on rails 6.

Two independent packs of labels, moving in the same path, are held in their upward vertical position by means of plates |30, each of which is mounted at the top of a tube |3I and held by top plate |32, the tube sliding on rod |33 suspended from transverse angles |29 and mounted at their lower ends in brackets |34 suspended from lower angles T6. The tubes I3| may be held in a xed vertical position such as shown at the left in Figure 16 in which the dog |35 has its jaw in an opening |30 in the rod |33. The dog is held in a vertical slot in the upper end of tube I3I by spring ring |31, and the dog may be removed from this gripping position by pressure on its lower end |38. It is shown removed from the gripping position at the right in Figure 16. In this position, shown at the right in Figure 16, the plate |30 is holding a stack of labels and it is held yieldingly upwardly by means of the tube |3I and arms |38 pivoted to the lower end of the tubes. These arms are in turn pivoted at their forward ends to links |40, which are pivoted to brackets |4| on forward tubular crossbar 3.

The arms |39 are held upwardly yieldingly by means of springs |42 suspended from brackets |43 pivoted to the lower side of angles 16 and the tension of the springs may be adjusted by screws |44. By means of these springs constant upward tension is applied on both of the plates |30 and only the one free to move on its rod |33, by the release of the dog |35, is in operation.

The plates |30 have a long slot |45 therein so that the plates may be slid longitudinally, on the rods |33 between the top of tube lill and plates I 32 thereon. The upper operating plate |3e on the right in Figure 16 is holding a stack of labels yieldingly against holding ngers in the top of the label delivery mechanism. When one plate |30 is thus in operation the other plate is in its lower position and ready to receive thereon a new supply of labels as shown at the left in Figure 16. When this new supply of labels is introduced the dog may be released and the spring will bring the supply up against the underside of the other plate |30 and when the supply on that plate is nearly exhausted the plate is removed by movement longitudinally and the new supply comes into use, supplementing the old.

The means at the top of the label applying mechanism to hold the top label in readiness for the approach of the container comprise a rear nger |45 on the adjustable plate |21, side knife edges |47 holding the labels gently and forward spring nger |48 adjustably held by screw |49 which is pressed down by a package and springs up to release the top label when glue on the passing container tends to raise it.

Back of the label applying mechanism the bed or tracks I5 are replaced by a solid rubber bed |50 as shown in Figures 6 and 14, adjustable in elevation by wing screws I5I. This solid bed preferably made of sponge rubber, securely presses the label smoothly against the package and the package as thus labeled passes from the main portion of the machine to the rear portion shown in Figure 3 where the bed is of the same construction but the top or moving belts are replaced by a single solid belt I52 mounted on pulleys |53 and |54 and held taut thereon vby slack take-up mechanism |55 and held downasomar? Wardly` thereon by pressure rollers, IiEEf extending all the: way across they single belt; |152, but heldsin brackets on rails 25; similar tothe single pres,- sure pulley brackets 2,6. Pulley |53: mountedon shaft |51 is driven from that shaft by sprocket |58, chain |,59f andi sprocket Iiilf` fast to driven shaft 88.

It will be noted in Figure 2 that. the driver of shaftz |57;V is much reduced in speed` to that: of shaft B8. This allows the packages to,r remain between the pressure of belt: |521 and its pressure rollers |56, and bed |50;` for aconsiderable period of time, to press the labelssmoothly inplace: and allow the glue to dry;

The operation of themachine willbe apparent from` the above description..` It: will` likewise be apparent that many modifications may be` made in the; structures described without departing from. the: invention, the preferred: formA having been. shown.

What is claimed as. new` and is` desired'v tube secured by Letters Patent is.:

l. In a: machine for afiixing; panel.` labels to cylindrical packages, means for' advancing the packages: along a longitudinal pathf with aapredetermined rotary motion for each unit of ad:- vancemena means for presenting panel` labelr-iv in the path of the packages and adhesiye, applying means in said; path in advance oi said presente ing means and spaced therefrom distance pro;-

porticnal to the circumference ofv the packages and means to vary said spacing. tor packages of different circnmferences, said4 applyingmeans comprising a plurality off spaced unitson. endless carriers, each pad unithaving an overall:` dimension-inr-` the direction oi advancementin' closecorrespondence with the lengthi oi the panel` labels inthe same direction.

2; In a machine for aixing panel labels to cylindrical packages, means for advancing: the packages along an elongated path, withia rotary motion and means in said path for` applying adhesive to the packages, said applyingfimeans comprising a plurality of spaced padl units on endlesscarriers each pad unit having` anl overall dimension` in-` the direction of advance inclose correspondence with the length in the samedirection of labels to be applied; means for move ing each said unit into andi out of` said'l path and means for applying adhesive toV each said unit when removed from said path.

3. In a machine for aillxingl panel labels to cylindrical packages, means for advancing the packages along a longitudinal path with arotary motion and means in said path for applying ad'- hesive` to the packages, said applying means comprising pad unitshaving an overall dimension in the. direction of advance'in close correspondence with the length in the same direction ofi labels to be applied, means for moving saidfunitssuccessively. into and out' of saidA path withu a step by step motion, means for supplying adhesive to said. units, whenA removed from` saidV pathand means forA holding' said units and supplying means out of contactbetwcen said steps.

4. In a machine for applying panel labels to cylindrical packages, means whereby the packages are rolled through the machine on a lungi'- tudinal path and` means operating; insaid path at a` station for applying adhesive to packages passing along said path, said` adhesive` applying meanszcomprising driven endless.,carriersi aplurality of., adhesive pad units` spaced along,` the length of said carriers, means, for driving. Said carriers: and locking means for holding thecartiers: ini a plurality of successive: positions of rest eacli` of which one; or said-` pad*14 units; is at said station. in the path oli. saidF packages, and; means operated upon'` thea approach of. packages: whereby thei lock is. releasedl andl further driving is initie ated after the passageoi eachlpreceding package past` said station.`

5. In. a machine for,` applying; panel labels to cylindrical packageslmeans.whereby the packages areA `rolled` through: `thez machine onY a; patina` and means. for applying adhesive to* the; packages passing along sardi path,A said adhesive` :applying moana comprising endless carriers: having a. plurality of. adhesivepad units. spaced along the length ot ,said-` catri'ers means; for' driving, said carriers. an@ stopping them` im aA plurality` ot po. siti'ons. of` rest.; ini eachl of which. one. of said` pad units-'- isi in the: path. of said packages saidpunits being presented; successilvely-y and means4 for supe plyingl said]` padl units. with adhesivefandl means for holding said supplying meansloutioi contactlwith the padlnnits when the` carriers arelatlres-t.`

inv amacl'oine-A tor appl-ying panel labels to cylindrical containers hay-ing means for rolling the containersalong. a predetermined patin. endl less` carriers having adhesive pad.- units spaced thereon, means: for driving thet carriers Withlla step= bylistepmotion, bringing: `eaclr unit succes.- sivelyrinto the patl'iiot` the containers, at a spotting station. means. for, locking the; carriers in eachot a series of positions ineacn o1" which a corresponding pad unitisin theipath; ot theconf,- tainersat said,station,.said units having. anoyen- `alll,dimension.in thedirection` of the, length` oi the path corresponding to thcilensth: ci labelstolbe enrolled,A meanstor coating thepad unitswithadhesite, andmeanstor holdinglthey coating means out. of contact with the. pads. in; the` stationary positions ci the carriers,

Y.. Ina ai `mach-ine for; applying panel. labels to cylindrical containers having means: for rolling the containers, along` a predetermined.path` with a uniiornr rotation to,V each unit or advancement, endless carrier-shaving adhesive pad units spaced thereon, means for drivingu the carriers with, a stepbbyl step motion, bringing; each; unit successively into. the pathA of the; containers,` at i a spotting stat/icm means', controlled by the containers for locking, the carriers in` each said positionwith a corresponding unittin, the` path` of the containers a` label pack for panel labels inoperative relation tothe pathiof-,the oontainersand spaced beyond theY spotting stationby a distance corre.u spending to the` circumference of the packages being labeled, said. units having anA overall' di'- mension in the direction ofthe length ofthe path corresponding tothe lengthY of the panelll'abells, means for coating. the pad units with adhesive, and means for holding the coating` means out of contactlwith thepadsinthe stationary positions oi; the. carriers, andmeansbeyond the label' pack for smoothingthe panel labels anddeliverihg. the containers. atreducedspeed; 8l In a machine for applying, panel labels to cylindrical packageshavingmeans for rolling the packages, along a predetermined path andmeans for applyihgadhesive to the packages at a station in said path`said` adhesive applying means comprising` endless carriers, adhesive applying pad units spaced along said, carriers and conforming in their dimensions longitudinally ofthe path to the length ofthe, labels to be applied, means for. moving the carriers at intervals: to present each, adhesive applying` unit in turn` at saidstation in the path of thepackages:

9. In a machine for applying panel labels to cylindrical packages having means for rolling the packages along a predetermined path means for Yapplying adhesive to the packages at a station in said path, said adhesive applying means comprising endless carriers, adhesive applying pad units each unit comprising two pads, spaced along said carriers and each unit conforming in its dimensions longitudinally of the path to the length of the labels to be applied, means for moving the carriers at intervals to present each adhesive applying unit in turn at said station in the path of the packages, and means for moving the alternate pads independently of the others in the direction of said path to provide for adjusting the units to the length of labels to be applied. 10. In a machine for applying panel labels to cylindrical packages having means for rolling the packages along a predetermined path and means for applying adhesive to the packages at a station in Said path, said adhesive applying means comprising endless carriers, adhesive applying pad units spaced along said carriers and conforming in their dimensions longitudinally of the path to the length of the labels to be applied, means for moving the carriers at intervals to present each adhesive applying unit in turn at said station in the path oi' the packages, and means limited to contact with the pad units only when the carrier is in motion for applying adhesive to the pads.

11. In a machine lor applying panel labels to cylindrical packages having means for rolling the packages along a predetermined path extending longitudinally of the machine, means for spotting adhesive on the packages at a station in said path, said adhesive applying means comprising endless carriers, adhesive applying pad units spaced thereon, means for driving said carriers with a step by step motion and an actuating member therefor having a continuous power drive with a clutch connection for driving said driving means, said driving means being adapted to move the carriers to bring each adhesive applying unit in turn into the path of the packages, and locking means for said carriers having a control for locking said carriers after each motion thus positioning an adhesive applying unit at said station and means for releasing the carriers for advancement after each container has passed from operative relation to a corresponding pad unit.

12. In a machine for applying labels to cylindrical packages having means for rolling the packages along a path, means for applying adhesive at a station in said path, said adhesive applying means comprising endless carriers, adhesive applying units spaced thereon, means for driving said carriers with a step by step motion, comprising engaging members and a continuous power drive, and means to cause the engagement of said members, said driving means being adapted to move the carriers to present each adhesive applying unit in turn in the path of the containers, and locking means for said carrier driving means having a control for locking said driving means after each motion and positioning an adhesive applying unit at said station and means for releasing the driving means for advancement of the carriers after each package has passed from operative relation to the unit, and adhesive coating means for said pad units.

13. In a machine for applying panel labels to cylindrical packages having means for rolling the packages along a predetermined path, and adhesive applying means in said path, said adhesive applying means comprising endless carriers having pad units thereon, means iordrivingv said carriers, means tending to hold and to locate the carriers in successive positions of rest in each of which one of said pad units is in operative relation to the path of the packages, and means timed with the rolling of the packages whereby the carriers are actuated for further driving to bring another pad unit in operative position as each package passes the adhesive applying unit.

14. In a machine for labeling cylindrical packages, means for rolling the packages along a path, an adhesive spotting means in operative relation to said path and means for driving said spotting means with a step by step motion, means for applying adhesive to the said spotting means and means for holding said spotting means out of contact with said applying means between said steps.

15. In a, machine for applying panel labels to cylindrical packages in which the packages are advanced along a predetermined path by rolling, said machine having means for presenting a pack of labels in said path, and a spotting station in said path preceding said presenting means, adhesive applying units, each unit comprising pads spaced in the directionof said path so that the overall dimension of each unit is in substantial conformance with the length of the labels in the same direction, driving means for said units, means for moving said units independently of said driving means, thereby causing the spotted areas on the successive packages to register with each top label in turn in said pack.

16. In a machine for afxing panel labels to cylindrical packages, a frictional track and a belt for rolling the packages along said track, means for presenting labels in the path of the packages and adhesive applying means in said path in advance of said presenting means and spaced therefrom by the circumference of the packages, means to adjust the spacing of the adhesive applying means from the label presenting means to conform to the circumference of the packages being labeled, said applying means comprising a plurality of spaced pad units on endless carriers, one unit for each package, each pad unit having an overall dimension in the direction of advancement in close correspondence to the length of the labels in the same direction and means providing for the adjustment of the pad units as to said overall dimension, to the length of the labels.

17. In a machine for applying panel labels to cylindrical packages in which the packages are advanced along a predetermined path by rolling, said machine having a spotting station in said path, comprising adhesive applying units, each unit having pads spaced in the direction of said path so that the overall dimension of the unit is in substantial conformance with the length in the same direction of the label to be applied, means to move one of the pads in a unit independently of another pad of the same unit to vary the spacing of the spots of that unit to t a label of diierent size.

CLIFFORD I-I. NEER,

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the le of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 185,719 Bigelow Dec. 26, 1876 820,804 Lucy May 15, 1906 1,037,220 Duiy Sept. 3, 1912 2,079,321 Kyler May 4, 1937 2,224,098 Burke Dec, 3. 1940 

